Around the NBA: Week 11 (1/1/24 - 1/7/24)

[ShelC]

Nationally televised games this week
Wedesday, January 3rd
Chicago @ New York at 8:30 PM EST on ABC
Miami @ LA Lakers at 10:00pm EST on ESPN

Thursday, January 4th
Milwaukee @ San Antonio at 7:30pm EST on TNT
Denver @ Golden State at 10:00pm EST on TNT

Friday, January 5th
New York @ Philadelphia at 7:30pm EST on ESPN
Memphis @ LA Lakers at 10:00pm EST on ESPN


NBA News
Trending Topics: Favorite moments, biggest surprises in 2023
https://www.nba.com/news/trending-topic ... rises-2023

Chance Comanche, charged with murder, to face judge Tuesday
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/392 ... ge-tuesday

[Mori Chu]

Thanks Shel, really appreciate your making the threads.

[Shabazz]

Mikal’s been pretty mid so far this season.

[Split T]

I think it just depends on what you were expecting…he’s putting up 21/5/4 on average efficiency. He’s acting as a primary or secondary creator…he shouldn’t be in that role. He’d be better next to a clear lead ball handler. That Nets team it’s not a good situation.

[Shabazz]

His defensive impact has waned with the advanced creation duties. Too many game like tonight with low scoring outputs on poor efficiency with no blocks or steals. (My fantasy team is feeling it)

[Shabazz]

Also, as much as I hate to say it, I think Shai may have passed Booker on the “best players” list. He’s just a machine.

[BKinSJC]

Also, as much as I hate to say it, I think Shai may have passed Booker on the “best players” list. He’s just a machine.

I'm inclined to agree. I think Shai is better than Luka, as well - certainly a more impactful defender and plays better within a team concept where he doesn't have to constantly have the ball in his hands. I'm not sure there's anybody I'd rather have right now as a franchise building block among the 25-and-under players in the league.

[Flagrant Fowl]

I thought they were about even last season and I finally put SGA ahead after the World Cup. He's comfortably a top 5 MVP candidate right now.

I still think it's pretty close if both guys are playing at their best. However, SGA's controlled deceleration is a more dangerous skill than anything Booker has in his bag.

[Mori Chu]

OKC had a really impressive win vs Boston tonight. They seem like legit contenders. And they have like 18 draft picks in the next 5 years or something insane like that. That team is going to be really good for a long time.

[Mori Chu]

[Shabazz]

Last random thought: why wasn't Trayce Jackson-Davis picked higher, including by us? 3 straight seasons at Indiana at basically 19-20 pts and 9-10 rebs/game. Good size. Athletic. I don't get it.

[In2ition]

Can't deny it, it's an impressive stretch and one that I don't believe that the Suns could reproduce themselves rn, so I'm jealous.

[AmareIsGod]

I know what I'm sharing isn't NBA, but it's basketball and my God, this girl is amazing.

60 POINTS
10 REBOUNDS
7 ASSISTS
5 STEALS

GAME WINNING SHOT from the logo.

[In2ition]

Future Indiana Fever pg.

[AmareIsGod]

Future Indiana Fever pg.

Yeah. The Mercury got the 3rd pick. I was super bummed. This girl is the best female basketball player that's ever walked the earth. I'd buy a ticket to watch her play.

[Mori Chu]

Wait, they counted that? The clock had clearly hit 0.0 before the ball left her hands.

[In2ition]

If you watch the light on the basket, she gets the ball out of her hands before it lights up. Basket is good.

I'm hoping for Cameron Brink to pair next to Griner, but will settle for Paige Bueckers.

[AmareIsGod]

Wait, they counted that? The clock had clearly hit 0.0 before the ball left her hands.

You are watching the ESPN overlay clock. If you watch the backboard, she releases literally a microsecond before the red light goes off.

[Split T]

His defensive impact has waned with the advanced creation duties. Too many game like tonight with low scoring outputs on poor efficiency with no blocks or steals. (My fantasy team is feeling it)

Ya to me that’s expected. If you put a #3 in a #1 creator role, he’s going to have bad games. He was too good last year and raised expectations. The defense is to be expected too. Almost everyone that takes on a bigger creation load stops playing defense. Mikal needs to be more in a Klay like role.

[Split T]

Also, as much as I hate to say it, I think Shai may have passed Booker on the “best players” list. He’s just a machine.

I’d put SGA 4th…and I’m really considering putting him 3rd ahead of Giannis. I have Jokic and Embiid 1 and 2. SGA was in my Booker/Tatum tier before the season, but he’s jumped ahead.